What is Hay Fever?

Understanding Hay Fever

What is hay fever? Allergic rhinitis is the term used to describe an inflammation of the nasal passages. Caused when an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander is inhaled which triggers a runny itchy inflamed nose.

Millions of people suffer from pollinosis or hay fever in the spring time or summer months when pollens from plants, grass and trees is more prevalent in the air. For those who suffer from hay fever the simple task of going outside can trigger sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes from breathing in the tiny particles. In this article we explore some of your options to bring relief to your symptoms.

Tips to help manage your hay fever.

1. In the summer, it is important that you keep your air conditioner filters clean as they can hold a lot of dust. Furthermore, try not to sleep right next to an air conditioner, as this can also make your allergies worsened.

2. Whenever possible keep the temperature of your home on the cool side, preferably between 60 and 70 degrees. Pests like dust mites, and cockroaches as well as fungi like molds prefer warmer air temperatures. Droppings from insects, and spores from mold are major allergy triggers.

3. If you own pets, bathe them frequently when allergy season arrives. Your pets’ hair and dander may be the cause of irritants or their fur can be a magnet for pollen floating in the air.

4. If you have carpeting in your home, be sure to vacuum regularly – every day if needed. A good quality vacuum will have a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter which will help trap allergens.

5. Do some investigating and try to identify what the allergen is that is causing your symptoms. What particular tree, plant, grass or weed is the trigger for your symptoms. Try to keep a log of when you are having symptoms, so that you can plan outdoor activities better and know what days you should be taking your allergy medicine to alleviate your symptoms for that day.

6. If your allergy symptoms flare up frequently, you may want to think about getting allergy shots. These work by a physician injecting a small amount of allergen into your system over time. Eventually, your immune system will be able to fight off allergy attacks. These are usually given for 3 to 5 years.